Kenyan Woman Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Sh41 Million Cocaine into Ghana

Authorities in Ghana are detaining a Kenyan woman who attempted to smuggle 11.04 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $309,120 (Sh41.6 million).

35-year-old Mary Njeri was intercepted at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra on Saturday, Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) said in a statement.

NACOC said the suspect was apprehended during a routine check at the arrival hall after disembarking from a South African Airways flight from Nairobi to Accra via Johannesburg.

"A search of her luggage revealed packets of Cremora food containing the hidden drugs. Preliminary questioning revealed that she had confirmed possession of the consignment in her luggage and she was later arrested for further investigation," the statement read in part.

The agency said the exhibits were sent to Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for analysis and report, while the suspect is being detained in prison pending further investigation and prosecution.

"We wish to use this medium to remind the general public that the possession and transportation of illicit drugs without lawful authority is illegal and punishable under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of Act 1019 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020," NACOC added.